Can salvage and overhaul be delayed until an investigator has examined the scene?

The procedure allowing for salvage and overhaul to be delayed until an investigator has examined the scene is rooted in the need to preserve evidence and the integrity of the investigation process. When a fire incident is under investigation, it is crucial that the original conditions of the scene be maintained as much as possible to allow for accurate analysis and determination of causes.

Salvage and overhaul operations can potentially alter or destroy key evidence that may indicate how a fire started or progressed. By postponing these operations, investigators can gather pertinent information that might be vital for understanding the incident, which can inform both preventative measures for the future and legal proceedings if necessary.

This approach recognizes the importance of thorough investigation while also considering the operational safety of firefighters and the need to protect property whenever feasible. However, there may be situations where immediate salvage is imperative to prevent further damage or for safety reasons, but such actions should ideally be balanced with the need for evidence preservation.